Managing exam time stress and recharging for the end of the semester

This time of year often brings thoughts of spending time with family and friends and enjoying the holidays with loved ones. But for most people in law school, it brings a time of stress and exams.

The following are reminders about library policies during exams, library items that might help you prep, and ways to de-stress and recharge.

• As Dean Ortiz mentioned in her email earlier this week, the library’s primary purpose is to provide a quiet place for study, reading, writing, and reflection. This is most important during reading and exam periods.
• If you are planning on reserving study rooms, please be sure to read the study room policy. Starting November 24, the library staff will strictly enforce the study room policy. Study rooms may be reserved for individual and group study sessions. Reservations will be cancelled if the policy is not followed.
• The previous Legal Beagle Blog highlighted study aids available in the Law Library and online. Check out “Exam Season Survival Guide: Exam Study Aids” to find more about study aids available.
• The librarians have created Study Aid Guides for all 1L courses and many upper-level courses. These guides give you suggestions on ways to learn your class material by reading, listening, or watching. Information on how to test yourself or how to access CALI lessons on the subject is also available in these guides. You can find a list of other suggestions for learning your class material through the Study Aid Guides on the law library website.

Now that we have discussed library policies and ways to study, we also want you to be aware of ways to de-stress and recharge. 

• Check out our library’s Stress Management, Mindfulness, and Wellness guide. You will find lists of books and links to general resources for wellness. You will also find links to the RWU Fitness Center, where you can take a break and relax through exercise.
• If you need someone to talk to during exam times or any other times, please contact the RWU Counseling Center. The Dean of Students Office at RWU Law is also available to provide resources and guidance for a wide variety of students' needs and concerns.
• The University offers a Spiritual Life Program extending to all religious faiths. Information on student faith groups on campus, as well as opportunities for worship on campus, is available. A list of local places of worship off campus is also available on the Spiritual Life page.
• The library will be showing live streams of cute baby animals in our main computer classroom during finals. Whether you prefer adorable puppies or precious kittens, we have you covered! We have even featured jellyfish, which are not so cuddly but are hypnotic to watch. Please stop by the computer classrooms; you will ooh and ahh over our animal friends.

Remember, the Law Librarians are here to answer your questions or to help point you in the right direction, just Ask a Librarian.

Good luck with your finals!